Home repairs are a normal part of home ownership. At some point, you’ll have to deal with leaky pipes, missing roof shingles, or electrical problems. If you have a serious problem or a large home project, it’s probably best to hire a professional. Plumbing problems like septic system repairs will need to be resolved by a professional plumber, and you’ll want to call an electrician if you notice a problem with your electrical system. However, not every home repair requires professional help. Some problems you can easily fix on your own with a little help from online tutorials or videos.
If you’re a homeowner, you should try to learn how to do basic home repairs. It can help you save money and time; instead of waiting for a pro, you’ll be able to fix minor problems on your own as they arise. Here are a few home repairs that every homeowner should learn how to DIY.
1. Toilet Drain Clogs
A clogged toilet drain is a common problem, and most of the time you can handle it on your own. Calling a plumber for a simple clog isn’t usually necessary and you can save time and money if you learn to deal with clogs on your own.
If an item has fallen into the toilet and is causing a blockage, you can try reaching in and pulling it out. If that’s not the case, you can try using a plunger to unclog the toilet drain. Make sure you choose a plunger that’s specifically made for toilets. There are also plungers for sinks, but they’re not as effective for unclogging toilets. If that doesn’t work, it’s possible the blockage is far down the drain. You can use a plumbing snake to dislodge whatever is causing the blockage. Another option that you can try is a compressed air plunger. These are a bit more expensive but are also more effective for stubborn clogs and cost less than calling a professional.
If you’ve tried all of these options and you still have plumbing problems, it might be necessary to call a professional plumber for help.
2. Drywall Patches
Patching drywall is something you can easily DIY, but you want to use the right method depending on the size of the hole you’re patching.
If you’re dealing with small screw or nail holes, you’ll need some spackle, a putty knife, sandpaper, and some touch-up paint. Clean up your surface and fill the hole with some spackle. Let it dry, and then sand it until it’s smooth. If you have the original paint, you might be able just to paint the patch, but if you really need it to blend in you can apply a coat of paint to the whole wall.
Larger holes require a bit more work. You might be able to find a drywall repair kit with instructions at your local hardware store. You can also create your own drywall patch by buying some drywall and cutting it to fit the hole. There are many tutorials online that can use to learn the best techniques for fixing larger drywall holes. But if you don’t feel comfortable fixing it yourself, you can always call a professional.
3. Cleaning Gutters
Gutters can quickly fill up with leaves, branches, and dirt. When your gutters are clogged, they don’t work as designed, and water can start to leak and pool around the house or patio instead of draining. If you don’t fix the problem, it can lead to mold, roof damage, foundation damage, and other problems.
Thankfully, it’s not too hard to clear out your gutters. Ideally, you should do it once or twice a year, depending on how many trees are around and how quickly they get backed up with debris. It’s best to clean your gutters with someone else, that way they can help you with the ladder. You’ll need to place a ladder close to your gutter and climb up to clean out what you can. To get to each section of your gutters, you’ll probably have to move your ladder several times. Be careful when climbing up and down a ladder or standing on a roof. Even a fall from a low height can cause serious injury, so if you’re feeling a bit unsteady, get someone to help you finish the job.
Both renters and homeowners have to deal with home repairs from time to time. Hiring a professional can be expensive and sometimes you’ll have to wait days or even weeks before the problem gets fixed. If you learn how to do your own basic repairs, you can save yourself money and the hassle of having to call someone else to solve the problem. There are tons of online tutorials, instructions, and videos that can teach you the basics of how to fix things in your home. From unclogging a toilet to patching a hole in your drywall, you can learn all kinds of home repairs on your own. The next time you have to repair something in your home, why not try doing it yourself?